Golf Course Turf Manager Salary Expectations

Superintendents' 2005 compensation

In 2005, the average base salary for golf course superintendents rose to $68,914. The increase in base salary from 2003 to 2005 increased 8.5 percent, or 4.3 percent annually. The observed increase represents a 22.8 percent gain since 1998, or increase of $15,709 in 7 years.

Experience & education

The results of the 2005 Survey compared to findings in previous years indicate experience and education continue to be significant factors driving salary increases.

1,143 certified golf course superintendents responded to the 2005 survey (29 percent of respondents). The statistics from those who have demonstrated their experience and education include the following:

• Ten years = average tenure (stay at one facility)
• $100,000 = the median (mid-point) salary for those at 18-hole facilities, managing budgets of $1 million or more
• At least ten percent of all Certified golf course superintendents with a minimum education of a bachelor’s degree make $125,000 or more

Compensation for CGCS

The average salary of a certified golf course superintendent rose to $80,489 in 2005, from $77,023 in 2003, $70,134 in 2000, and $62,948 in 1998. This shows a 22 percent total increase since 1998, or an average annual increase of 3.14 percent.

Compensation boosted by bonuses

Over 55 percent of all GCSAA members receive a bonus, in addition to base compensation. The 2005 Report shows the top criteria for bonuses to be merit and performance on the job, profitability of the overall operation and staying within budget. The average annual bonus for all superintendents in 2005 was between $1,000 and $2,999.

Other Budgetary Information

In 2005, the average number of employees directly reporting to superintendents was 20, even with a crew size of 20 reported in 2003 and an average crew size of 17 in 2000. More than nine percent of superintendents report having other superintendents report to them.

The average annual maintenance budget, representing mainly 18-hole facilities, rose 15 percent to $670,000 in 2005. The average annual maintenance budget, including maintenance, capital equipment and payroll, was $584,500 in 2003. Maintenance comprises 47 percent of the total budget controlled by the superintendent, with payroll 44.8 percent, and the remainder spent on capital equipment.

Assistant superintendents' salaries have also increased to $34,586 in 2005, from $32,132 in 2003, and $29,638 in 2000; a 14.3 percent increase (averaging 2.86 percent annually). Superintendents overwhelmingly indicate that assistant superintendents are salaried versus hourly employees.